“I guess I will,” agreed C. C. “But I’ll probably get indigestion from the fright I’ve had.” New York was reached without incident, and the boys went to their boarding house, Mr. Duncan accompanying them. The theatrical troupe separated, all promising to see our heroes before the trip to Africa was started. Macaroni, or Charles Anderson, the thin young helper of Joe and Blake, did not come from the coast with them, having obtained a position in a San Francisco moving picture theatre. Busy days followed, considerable preparation being necessary to prepare for the African trip. In due time Mr. Stone arrived in New York, and made satisfactory arrangements with Joe and Blake for taking pictures of wild animals. “Mind,” he explained, “I want pictures so that the person seeing them will imagine he’s right on the spot looking at the animals eating, fighting, or playing about. Don’t let the animals pose for you.” “I guess there’s not much danger,” said Blake, with a laugh. “A wild lion posing would be a curious sight.” “And one not altogether healthy for the moving picture machine and the fellow operating it,” added Blake. “Well, it’s all settled, then,” concluded Mr. Stone, and a contract was drawn up. Good-byes were said to the theatrical company--that is, all but Mr. Piper, who, so Mr. Ringold said, had gone off on a little trip. The boys left their farewells for him. Then, the arrangements being completed, they went aboard their vessel in New York, and soon were on their way to Africa, Naples being the first stopping point. “Ho! for the jungle!” cried Blake, as he stood on deck while the ship went through the Narrows. “And for my little sister!” added Joe, softly. CHAPTER VI AN OLD FRIEND Blake and Joe soon made friends aboard the ship. They were lively lads, and as soon as it became known they were on voyage to Africa they were asked many questions. They did not give details of their two quests, merely saying that they were on their way to see Joe’s sister, and, incidentally, to get views of the jungle animals. “There’s no use telling them we haven’t seen my sister in so many years,” suggested Joe, who was a bit sensitive on the subject. “And if we go into too many details about those wild animals they’ll think we’re faking.” “That’s right,” agreed Blake. The fact that they had with them moving picture cameras, and film, and were experts in their use, soon became known all through the ship, and they received many requests to take views of the passengers at various deck games. This they did, but as there were no facilities aboard for developing and printing the films, the pictures could not be shown. However, the boys left the negatives with the captain, who promised to have them ready for any passengers who made a return trip with him.